The Spark Awards, a Torch Award for Entrepreneurship, recognizes millennial entrepreneurial organizations whose leaders demonstrate a higher level of character, generating a culture that is authentic about its mission, and connect with community.

The Spark Awards class is chosen from an arena of entries and nominations, showing there's no lack of trusted business

representatives in Central Ohio. Three leading organizations are then selected to represent the Class of 2018 in the areas of character, culture and community as the 2018 recipients.

Recipients of the 2018 Spark Awards will be announced the week of May 7thduring TechStars Columbus Startup Week, and will also be showcased at BBB's Torch Awards for Ethics in the fall. Additionally, recipients will be involved with telling their stories during simultaneous BBB and Center for Character Ethics events throughout

the year.

2018 entries are now being accepted; deadline for entries is April 6, 2018.

In coordination with the Center for Character Ethics TRUST! Principles, the award categories are based upon the following:

Character - Transformative Leadership

Leaders must be teachable and open to growing with ideas. The journey to wisdom does not have one path, but many to be explored when a person desires to exhibit strong ethics. Leaders habitually seek the truth, are open to criticism, and know that their own personal development is never complete. Ethical maturity cultivates an environment that promotes higher standards of better business practices and a mutual understanding that each employee has control over their own character.

Culture - Reinforce and Unite the Team of Treasured Employees while Steering Performance to Mission

Purposeful teams have clear visions while being honest and transparent with their members. Beneficial workplace cultures help teams work toward their goals, and establish guidelines that hold each member, including leadership, accountable while praising valuable team players. As a result, successful teams are able to create structures, adapt to change, and continually encourage opportunities for all staff members. Progressive cultures set ethical ways for a business to problem solve, resolve conflict, and inspire evolution.

Community - Enthusiastically Give Back!

Admirable entrepreneurial organizations show appreciation for their communities by enthusiastically giving back. Businesses should eagerly support their communities by contributing to their industry membership standards organizations, and encouraging an ethical marketplace. Community-inspired businesses help their environment, stakeholders, and community membership by reinvesting and volunteering.